The 16-page document is called ‘Why the Government believes that voting to remain in the European Union is the best decision for the UK.’

The leaflet in question

It sets out the case for staying in the Euro ahead of the referendum on June 23.

The mass drop is being carried out by Royal Mail. But in many cases the leaflet is neatly folded inside up to four other unrequested circular missives.

“I would have missed it completely had I not dropped the bundle of junk mail on the way to the recycling bag and it fell out,” said one resident.

“I couldn’t believe it. There has been such a big deal made out of tax payers money being spent on this information in the first place, and then it’s tucked away where no-one will see it!”

The leaflets are currently popping through letterboxes in England, and will be distributed to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland after the devolved elections on May 5.

The government says the cost is £9.3m, or 34p per household.

“When we are constantly being told that we need to tighten spending, it seems ludicrous that the government sees fit to spend such a large amount of money on something that, for the most part, won’t even be seen,” said another resident.

“If I’ve had it, mine has already gone in the bin, together with all the usual unwanted mail. It’s hardly money well spent is it?”

Royal Mail spokesman, Julie Pirone, said: “It appears that in a small number of cases some leaflets may have been folded together with other mail simply for ease of posting through letter boxes.

“This is not our policy. Our guidelines to staff make it clear that no materials should be combined with another customer’s mailing. All staff have again been reminded that this is not our policy. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers.”

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